Method of and apparatus for projecting spliced film or tape

ABSTRACT

A method of and apparatus for projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, including the steps of and means for projecting successive picture frames along first or second parallel projection paths as they are moved into first or second projecting positions thereon, combining the first and second projection paths into a common main projection path downstream from the first and second projecting positions, sensing the presence of the spliced frame, and blocking the first projection path when the spliced frame is in the first projecting position and blocking the second projection path when the spliced frame is in the second projecting position.

[451 May 27, 1975 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR Primary Examiner-Monroe l-l. Hayes Attorney, Agent, or Firm-*Harris, Kern, Wallen & Tinsley PROJECTING SPLICED FILM OR TAPE [76] Inventor:

Dietrich P. Friesen, 205 Queen Mary Dr., Apt. 205, Oakville, Ontario, Canada Jan. 14, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT A method of and apparatus for projecting a spliced 22 Filed:

film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, including the steps of and means for projecting succes- Appl. No.: 432,971

sive picture frames along first or second parallel projection paths as they are moved into first or second projecting positions thereon, combining the first and [52] US. Cl.

second projection paths into a common main projec- [51] Int. Cl. G03b 9/08 352/204, 205, 207, 142,

tion path downstream from the first and second pro- [58] Field of Search jecting positions, sensing the presence of the spliced frame, and blocking the first projection path when the 5 References Cited spliced frame is in the first projecting position and blocking the second projection path when the spliced UNITED STATES PATENTS frame is in the second projecting position.

7 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures Pmmgnmznms SHEET Era. 3.

FORWARD \A PMENIEUH Z 2.885.864

sum 2 Jam-a5, a4;

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PROJECTING SPLICED FILM OR TAPE BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present invention relates in general to the motion picture projection art and, more particularly, to an apparatus for projecting a spliced film or tape, i.e., a film or tape having picture frames and one or more spliced frames.

Prior to my invention, to the best of my knowledge, spliced films or tapes were projected without any regard for the presence of spliced frames, or the slight flickering effect the projection of such frames had on the images presented to the viewers. Even though, with conventional projection methods and equipment, spliced frames are projected for only very small fractions of a second, such frames nevertheless present discontinuities in the images seen by the viewers which are noticeable and which may be somewhat distracting.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF INVENTION picture frame for the conventional projection of the spliced frame avoids the image discontinuity resulting from the conventional practice of projecting both the spliced frame and the adjacent picture frame, which is an important feature.

The invention may be summarized as comprising, and an important object is to provide a method and apparatus which involve, projecting successive ones of the picture frames along a projection path as they are moved into a projecting position on the projection path, and blocking the projection path when the spliced frame is in the projecting position.

The invention may be further summarized as including, and another important object is to provide a projection apparatus and method which involve, projecting successive ones of the picture frames along first or second parallel projection paths as they are moved into first or second projecting positions thereon, combining the first and second projection paths into a common main projection path downstream from the first and second projecting positions, sensing the presence of a spliced frame, and blocking the first projection path when the spliced frame is in the first projecting position and blocking the second projection path when the spliced frame is in the second projecting position.

Still another important object in connection with those set forth in the preceding two paragraphs is to project a whole picture frame adjacent the spliced frame when projection of the spliced frame itself is blocked. In other words, an adjacent whole picture frame is projected twice, once on its own behalf, and once as a substitute for the spliced frame, thereby completely avoiding the discontinuity in the viewed image which would result from projecting the spliced frame itself.

Another object is to provide an apparatus wherein the means for combining the first and second projection paths into a common main projection path comprises beam splitting means.

Yet another object is to provide an apparatus wherein the projection means comprises main shutter means for periodically blocking the first and second projection paths, and wherein the blocking means for the spliced frame comprises auxiliary shutter means for selectively blocking the first and second projection paths, i.e., for blocking that one of the first and second projection paths which has the spliced frame therein.

An additional object is to provide an apparatus which includes shutter switch means movable with the main shutter means for operating the auxiliary shutter means in the manner outlined.

The foregoing objects, advantages, features and results of the present invention, together with various other objects, advantages, features and results thereof which will be evident to those skilled in the motion picture projection art in the light of this disclosure, may be achieved with the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a motion picture projection system which embodies the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic electrical diagram which may be embodied in the invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are semidiagrammatic views of two shutter switch means embodied in the invention;

FIGS. 5 to 12 illustrate the operation of the invention with the film or tape running in one direction, hereinafter referred to as the forward direction; and

FIGS. 13 to 20 illustrate the operation of the invention with the film or tape running in the reverse direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF INVENTION Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, illustrated therein diagrammatically is a projection system which includes: a projection lamp 22; a condenser lens assembly 24; a main shutter 26; an auxiliary shutter 28; a path 30 for a film (or tape) 32 which is advanced intermittently by the usual claw, or the like, now shown; sensors A and B for sensing a spliced frame 34, FIGS. 5 to 20, these sensors bei'ng photoelectric, for example, and respectively being disposed on opposite sides of the shutters 26 and 28 in the direction of the film path 30; a double beam splitting means or beam splitter 36; and a projection lens assembly 38. The splice is preferably made across the picture area, instead of at the frame line, as is usually done.

The projection system provides parallel first and second projection paths 40 and 42 which are combined by the beam splitter 36 into a common main projection path 44 through the projection lens 38. The projection paths 40 and 42 are spaced apart one picture frame spacing on the film 32, and provide first and second projecting positions 46 and 48. On the first projection path 40 between the film path 30 and the beam splitter 36 is a relay lens 50 which compensates the image size. On the projection path 40 on the opposite side of the beam splitter 36 from the relay lens 50 is a photoelectric sensor, or the like, A. The main shutter 26 is preferably a conventional rotary shutter driven in any suitable manner. The auxiliary shutter 28 is shown as reciprocable between open and closed positions, the open poisiton of the auxiliary shutter 28 being that in which it blocks the first projection path 40, and the closed position being that in which it blocks the second projection path 42. In the construction illustrated, the auxiliary shutter 28 is diagrammatically shown as shifted between its open and closed positions by latching solenoids K4 and K-S. However, it will be understood that any suitable auxiliary shutter and drive therefor may be used. In the particular construction illustrated, the manner in which the latching solenoids K-4 and K-S shift the auxiliary shutter 28 between its open and closed positions is best shown on the extreme right side of FIG. 2 of the drawings.

FIG. 2 also shows diagrammatically the electrical circuitry which may be embodied in the invention. FIG. 2 is largely self explanatory, so that only a brief description is necessary. The sensor A controls a latching relay K-l, and the spliced frame sensors A and B respectively control latching relays K-2 and K-3. The relays K-l and K-2 act as an OR relay, and the relays K-l,

K-2 and K-3 actuate a switch -1 which completes either a circuit 52 or a circuit 54. The circuits 52 and 54 respectively have shutter switches a and b therein, and also have ganged switches S-2 therein which control the solenoids K-4 and K-S as shown. The ganged switches 5-2 are displaced to the positions shown by a momentary push button switch 5-3 in series with the relay K-3. By actuating a momentary push button switch S4 in series with the relay K-l, the ganged switches 5-2 are displaced to positions above the positions shown. The switches S-3 and S-4 are ganged together, as shown in FIG. 2. The shutter switches a and b rotate with the main shutter 26. The shutter switch a includes a movable, i.e., rotatable, contact 56 and includes fixed contacts 58 engageable with the movable contact 56. The shutter switch b includes a similar movable contact 60 and fixed contacts 62. As will be apparent, the shutter switches a and b close once per shutter revolution with the two-bladed main shutter 26 shown. The shutter switch a closes just before pull down. The shutter switch b is closed during pull down.

When the switch 5-3 is momentarily closed, the apparatus of the invention is energized for forward film movement. Conversely, when the switch 8-4 is momentarily closed, the system is energized for rearward film movement. The operation of the invention during forward film movement is shown in FIGS. 5 to 12 and the operation thereofduring rearward film movement is shown in FIGS. 13 to 20.

Throughout FIGS. 5 to of the drawings, the main shutter 26 is shown crosshatched when it is closed. The auxiliary shutter 28 is always shown crosshatched since it blocks light transmission in either its open (upper) position, or in its closed (lower) position. The various sensors A, A and B are shown filled in solid when energized, and open when not energized. In certain figures, viz., FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 11, 15 and 17, the main shutter 26 is shown in its corresponding positions.

Considering first the operation of the invention during forward movement of the film 32, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, the film is moved intermittently in the conventional manner in FIGS. 5, 7, 9 and 11 as indicated by the arrows 64.

In FIG. 5, the main shutter 26 is closed and the film 32 is moved one frame. The closing of the shutter switch b and the latching of the relay K-3 are of no effect since the auxiliary shutter 28 is already open.

In FIG. 6, the main shutter 26 opens and a picture frame is projected along the path 42.

In FIG. 7, the main shutter 26 is closed and the film is advanced one frame. The spliced frame 34 passes the sensor A, thereby latching the relay K-2 and changing the position of the switch S-l. However, since the film is moved after the shutter a has closed and has again reopened, the auxiliary shutter 28 remains open, because there is no current through the solenoid K-S.

Referring to FIG. 8, the main shutter 26 opens and the picture frame just ahead of the spliced frame 34 is projected along the path 42.

Turning to FIG. 9, the main shutter 26 closes and the shutter switch a closes. The relay K-2 was previously latched by passage of the spliced frame 34 past the sensor A. Consequently, the solenoid K-S is now energized and latched to close the auxiliary shutter 28, i.e., to move it into a position opposite the spliced frame 34. This puts the spliced frame in the projection path 42 while the main shutter 26 is closed.

With reference now to FIG. 10, the main shutter 26 opens. Since the auxiliary shutter 28 is closed, the spliced frame 34 is not projected, but the frame following the spliced frame is projected along the projection path 40. Light from the projection path 40 also triggers the sensor A, but since the auxiliary shutter 28 is already closed, the sensors A and A have no effect.

Turning to FIG. 11, the main shutter 26 closes and the frame following the spliced frame is moved to the piston gate, i.e., is moved into the projecting position 48. The spliced frame 34 passes the sensor B, triggering the relay K-3 and shifting the switch S-l. Since the main shutter 26 has just closed the shutter switch b, the solenoid K-4 is triggered and the auxiliary shutter 28 is opened before the main shutter is opened.

Finally, in FIG. 12, the main shutter 26 opens and the frame immediately following the spliced frame 34 is projected a second time. It should be noted here that the relay K-3 is again latched, corresponding to the conditions of FIG. 5.

Thus, it will be seen that, instead of projecting the spliced frame 34, the picture frame immediately following the spliced frame is projected twice, once as shown in FIG. 10, and again as shown in FIG. 12. This double projection of the following picture frame, without projection of the spliced frame, completely eliminates any discontinuity in the image projected onto a screen, or the like, by the projection lens 38, which is an important feature of the invention.

The operation of the invention is similar if the film 32 is moved in the opposite direction, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 20. In these figures, the intermittent film movement is indicated by the arrows 66 in FIGS. 13, 15, 17 and 19. Again, the applicable positions of the shutter switches a and b are shown in FIGS. 17 and 15, respectively.

Turning to FIG. 13, the main shutter 26 closes and the film 32 is moved one frame. The corresponding closing of shutter switch a and the already latched relays K-l and K-Z are of no effect since the auxiliary shutter 28 is already in its open, i.e., upper, position.

With reference to FIG. 14, the main shutter 26 opens and the frame preceding the spliced frame 34 is projected along the path 42.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the main shutter 26 closes and the film is displaced one frame to bring the spliced frame 34 into the projecting position 48. The spliced frame activates the sensor B, thus triggering the relay K-3 and shifting the switch S-l. Since the turning of the main shutter 26 has closed the shutter switch b, the solenoid K-S is energized and latched. This closes the auxiliary shutter 28, while the main shutter 26 is closed, to block projection of the spliced frame along the path 42.

Turning now to FIG. 16, the main shutter 26 opens. Since the auxiliary shutter 28 is now in its closed, i.e., lower, position, the frame immediately ahead of the spliced frame is projected for the second time, along the projection path 40 and through the beam splitter 36. Light from the projection path 40 triggers the sensor A, thereby latching the relays K-l and K-2.

With reference to FIG. 17, the main shutter 26 again closes, and since the relay K-2 is already latched, the shutter switch a triggers the solenoid K-4 to cause the auxiliary shutter 28 to open. At the same time, the film is moved to advance the spliced frame 34 to the projecting position 46. It will be noted that the closing of the main shutter deactivates the sensor A, but since the relays K-l and K-2 act together as an OR relay, the relay K-2 remains latched.

Going now to FIG. 18, the main shutter 26 reopens, and the frame following the spliced frame 34 is projected along the path 42. The relay K-2 remains latched.

Referring to FIG. 19, the main shutter closes and the film 32 is advanced one frame. The spliced frame 34 passes the sensor A, but since the auxiliary shutter 28 is already in its open position, the sensor A and the shutter switch a are ineffective.

Finally, referring to FIG. 20, the main shutter opens and the second frame following the spliced frame is projected. It should be noted that the relays K-l and K-2 are again latched as in the conditions obtaining in connection with FIG. 13.

Thus, the action during rearward film movement is similar to that during forward film movement. More particularly, the frame just ahead of the spliced frame I 34 is projected twice, once in FIG. 14, and again in FIG. 16, while the spliced frame is not projected.

. Again, this avoids any. discontinuity in the image formed on a screen, or the like, by the projection lens 38.

Thus, the invention provides an apparatus and method for blocking whichever projection path the spliced frame 34 is on, and for twice projecting an adjacent whole picture frame in lieu of once projecting the spliced frame and such whole picture frame. Thus, any discontinuities in the viewed image are avoided, which is the important feature of the invention.

It is important to note that the frame which is projected twice can be either the frame preceding or following the spliced frame 34 during either forward or rearward film movement, depending on the direction of rotation of the main shutter 26 and the positions of the shutter switches a and b.

Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in such embodiment without departing from the invention as hereinafter claimed.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus for projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, the combination of:

a. projection means for projecting successive ones of said picture frames as they are moved into a projecting position;

b. means for preventing projection of said spliced frame when it is in said projecting position and for projecting an adjacent frame instead; and

c. means sensing the presence of said spliced frame in said projecting position.

2. A method of projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, including:

a. projecting successive ones of said picture frames as they are moved into a projecting position;

b. preventing projection of said spliced frame when it is in said projecting position and projecting an adjacent frame instead; and

c. sensing the presence of said spliced frame in said projecting position.

3. A method of projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, the combination of: r

a. projecting successive ones of said picture frames along first or second parallel projection paths as they are moved into first or second projecting positions thereon;

b. combining said first and second projection paths into a common main projection path downstream from said first and second projecting positions;

c. blocking said first projection path when said spliced frame is in said first projecting position and blocking said second projection path when said spliced frame is in said second projecting position; and

d. sensing the presence of said spliced frame to determine the timing of said blocking steps.

4. In an apparatus for projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, the combination of:

a. projection means for projecting successive ones of said picture frames along first or second parallel projection paths as they are moved into first or second projecting positions thereon;

b. means for combining said first and second projection paths into a common main projection path downstream from said first and second projecting positions;

c. means for blocking said first projection path when said spliced frame is in said first projecting position and for blocking said second projection path when said spliced frame is in said second projecting position; and

d. actuating means sensing the presence of said spliced frame for actuating said blocking means.

5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said combining means comprises beam splitting means.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said projection means comprises main shutter means for periodically blocking said first and second projection paths, and wherein said blocking means comprises auxiliary shutter means for selectively blocking said first and second projection paths.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 including switch means movable with said main shutter means for causing said actuating means to operate said auxiliary shutter means.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,885,864 DATED May 27, 1975 INVENTOMS) Dietrich P. Friesen H is certiherl that error appears in me ab0ve--identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 48, "now shown" should be -not shown--;

Column 4, line 11, "shutter "a" should be --shutter switch "a"--;

Column 4, line 34, "piston gate" should be --picture gate-- Signed and Scaled this [SEAL] Sixth Day of April1976 A nest.

RUTH C. MASON Arresting Officer UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT N0. 3,885,864 DATED May 27, 1975 mvm rows) Dietrich P Friesen It IS ceriihed that crrm appears in the ab0ve-idenhfied patent and that said Letters Patent are heiehy corrected as shown below:

Column 2, line 48, "now shown" should be --not shown--;

Column 4, line 11, "shutter "a" should be --shutter switch "a"--;

Column 4, line 34, "piston gate" should be --picture gate- Bigncd and Scaled this [SEAL] sixth Day of April1976 RUTH C. MASON Alresling Officer C. MARSHALL DANN ummissinncr oj'lalems and Trademarks 

1. In an apparatus for projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, the combination of: a. projection means for projecting successive ones of said picture frames as they are moved into a projecting position; b. means for preventing projection of said spliced frame when it is in said projecting position and for projecting an adjacent frame instead; and c. means sensing the presence of said spliced frame in said projecting position.
 2. A method of projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, including: a. projecting successive ones of said picture frames as they are moved into a projecting position; b. preventing projection of said spliced frame when it is in said projecting position and projecting an adjacent frame instead; and c. sensing the presence of said spliced frame in said projecting position.
 3. A method of projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, the combination of: a. projecting successive ones of said picture frames along first or second parallel projection paths as they are moved into first or second projecting positions thereon; b. combining said first and second projection paths into a common main projection path downstream from said first and second projecting positions; c. blocking said first projection path when said spliced frame is in said first projecting position and blocking said second projection path when said spliced frame is in said second projecting position; and d. sensing the presence of said spliced frame to determine the timing of said blocking steps.
 4. In an apparatus for projecting a spliced film or tape having picture frames and a spliced frame, the combination oF: a. projection means for projecting successive ones of said picture frames along first or second parallel projection paths as they are moved into first or second projecting positions thereon; b. means for combining said first and second projection paths into a common main projection path downstream from said first and second projecting positions; c. means for blocking said first projection path when said spliced frame is in said first projecting position and for blocking said second projection path when said spliced frame is in said second projecting position; and d. actuating means sensing the presence of said spliced frame for actuating said blocking means.
 5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said combining means comprises beam splitting means.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said projection means comprises main shutter means for periodically blocking said first and second projection paths, and wherein said blocking means comprises auxiliary shutter means for selectively blocking said first and second projection paths.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 including switch means movable with said main shutter means for causing said actuating means to operate said auxiliary shutter means. 